The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Harcharan Singh Bhullar, senior IPS officer of the 2009 batch, currently serving as DIG, Ropar Range (Punjab), along with his associate (a private individual) , for allegedly demanding a bribe of ₹8 lakh and seeking recurring monthly illegal payments from a businessman.

According to CBI, a case was registered on October 16th 2025, after allegations surfaced that the DIG demanded ₹8 lakh through a private middleman to “settle” an FIR registered against the complainant and to ensure no further coercive police action was taken against his business.

Acting swiftly, the CBI laid a trap and caught the private individual red-handed while accepting ₹8 lakh from the complainant at Sector 21, Chandigarh, on behalf of the DIG. During the operation, a controlled call was made to the officer, during which he acknowledged the payment and instructed the middleman and complainant to come to his office.

Soon after, CBI teams apprehended the DIG from his office and arrested both the accused.

Massive recoveries followed searches conducted at multiple locations linked to the senior officer across Punjab and Chandigarh. The recoveries include, Cash worth approximately ₹5 crore (and counting), Jewellery weighing about 1.5 kg, Documents of immovable assets in Punjab , Luxury vehicle keys (Mercedes and Audi) , 22 branded watches, Locker keys, imported liquor bottles, and firearms including a double-barrel gun, pistol, revolver, and airgun with ammunition.

From the middleman, the CBI also recovered ₹21 lakh in cash.

Both accused have been arrested and will be produced before the designated court on October 17, 2025. CBI sources said searches are still underway and further investigation is in progress.

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